The theme for week 24 of the 52 week challenge as "Who Inspires You" This photo summarizes the work of 2 amazing people, Paul Barnes and Jennie Gilbert , who, in 2000, established the "Turtle Rehabilitation Centre which is now housed on Fitzroy Island in FNQ (Far North Qld). It now involves over 50 volunteers caring for injured sea turtles. Their success rate has gradually improved with approx 85% of turtles now being able to be released back into the wild. This is the highest success rate in the world.
The Rehabilitaion Centre is open to visitors and gives a chilling summary of man's effect on these beautiful creatures.
The turtle mural in the background is made from assorted plastic successfully removed from the intestines of turtles brought into the centre suffering from ‘floaters syndrome’
And the gorgeous turtle shown is Jools - she has recovered from injuries inflicted by a spear and is awaiting release back into the waters surrounding Fitzroy Island.
Interesting story, Rob. I'm particularly sensitive to the subject because yesterday in the Red Sea we have seen three very large sea turtles who, fortunately, live there untouched by ma. Apparently they are numerous in those waters. Fav for the picture and for the volunteers of the Rehab Center
@caterina Thank you for your info Caterina. It was most interesting to hear of the Red Sea turtles. For some reason I had always associated turtles with tropical oceans and environments and failed to realize that they are so widely spread. They are such beautiful animals who bring such joy whenever you see them swimming wild. I hope the Red Sea turtles stay safe and well. Cheers Rob
@jacqbb Hi Jacqueline - Thank you for your interest - this was one very lucky turtle but the overall future for these lovely creatures is apparently very bleak. We learnt that every species of turtle in the world is now officially declared endangered - there are just so many ways that our activities impact on them. It is very disturbing. :)
Your challenge for this week is to try to take or make a long exposure shot. If you can't use a ND filter, or shoot in low light, then you can take multiple shorter shots and align/average them in post to make one!
Amazing people and amazing story. There is something similar going on here, too. Unfortunately people throw their unwanted plastic into the sea, turtles think they are jellyfish and swallow them. But at least all over the world there is an awareness of the harm plastic is doing to our environment.
@sangwann Hi Dione - How good that you have a similar program running. The "Floaters Sydrome" that our turtles suffer from is due to them eating those plastics that you mentioned. It's such a problem - hopefully something will start to be done on a worldwide scope. Thanks for your interest. :)
Great story- you know what amazes me though is for all the environmental education that goes on and the technology we have to safely get rid of our garbage, this still goes on. People don't care about what happens to their garbage, they just want it out of their house. And if one was judging the weight of a plastic bottle by what people do with it, you'd have to say it's heavier when it has no liquid in it! I've been a proponent of recycling since the 70's and am shocked to see some of the recycling places actually closing around here. I don't know why- but they are. I hope this organization and others like them keep up the fight- how else will people know the long term effects unless they see artwork like that- a great and creative way to make a point! Good shot.
Your challenge for this week is to try to take or make a long exposure shot. If you can't use a ND filter, or shoot in low light, then you can take multiple shorter shots and align/average them in post to make one!